Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)

VMAT stands for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy. It is an advanced form of radiation therapy in which radiation is delivered as the treatment machine rotates around the patient using one or more arcs. It shapes the radiation beam and changes its strength at the same time. This targets the tumor safely while sparing healthy tissue. Compared to other options, in which a delivery machine must rotate around a patient several times, starting and stopping periodically throughout the process, VMAT reduces treatment time and improves treatment efficiency.

VMAT can be used to treat many different cancer types and is commonly incorporated into treatment plans for cancers of the prostate, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and other locations.

To ensure that the maximum dose of radiation is delivered to a tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue, a physician can use advanced computer software to help plan and guide the treatment. As with other types of external beam radiation therapy, VMAT typically involves a planning session that takes place prior to the actual treatment sessions to ensure that the linear accelerator is properly aligned with a tumor and the software plans are as accurate as possible.

VMAT is an advanced method of delivering intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). While both approaches carefully shape radiation around a tumor, VMAT delivers radiation continuously as the machine rotates around the body, often reducing treatment times.

The technologies that are commonly used with VMAT are:

• IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy)
• Cone-beam CT
• Respiratory gating
• Motion management
• Adaptive planning
• MRI-guided radiation therapy

At Moffitt Cancer Center, each patient’s unique diagnosis is reviewed by a collaborative team of specialists. Together, the members of this team determine the best radiation therapy approach, whether it involves VMAT, a different form of external beam radiation therapy or a radioactive implant.

While Moffitt is renowned for our advanced technologies, our providers are the heart and soul of our radiation therapy department. With a highly skilled group of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, physicians and supportive care providers available to tend to our patients’ needs, we consistently produce exceptional outcomes and enhance each patient’s quality of life.

No referral is required to seek treatment at Moffitt. To learn more about volumetric modulated arc therapy or any of our other radiation treatments, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.